The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), professionally managed by AEG Facilities, reported generating a record-breaking economic impact of $781 million for the City of Los Angeles in fiscal 2016/2017 with $478 million attributed to convention attendees direct spending. An additional $26.4 million was generated in tax revenues to the City, with $18.2 million in hotel transient-occupancy tax contributions to the City’s general fund. This is an increase over $90 million in total economic impact over last fiscal year.

The convention center also set a record in the number of events they hosted, including an increase in citywide conventions, resulting in an increased occupancy rate of 74 percent – industry standard indicates a convention center is considered fully occupied at 70 percent. During fiscal year 2016/2017, the LACC hosted 2.2 million visitors across 215 events. These events included prestigious consumer shows, industry trade shows, and 32 large-scale citywide conventions such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Association of Neurological Surgeons and College of Chest Physicians which filled an estimated 526,000 hotel room nights while sustaining 12,700 local jobs.

AEG Facilities, working closely with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has increased event bookings every year since assuming management in late 2013.

“As a centerpiece of Downtown LA, the Los Angeles Convention Center has proven to be an integral economic impact driver for the City,” said Doane Liu, executive director of the Los Angeles Department of Convention and Tourism Department. “LACC events support L.A.’s economy through the direct and indirect spending by event and convention attendees on travel, lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment, saving local taxpayer dollars and contributing funds for essential city services.”

Merton Barr, a long-time IAVM member who served as the assistant general manager of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa (now part of the Iowa Events Center), passed away peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2017, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital.

Merton was born February 4, 1936, in Des Moines, IA to Merton and Mary (Enlow) Barr. He graduated from North High School in 1953 and from Capital City College in 1955. In college he met and married his wife, Louise Erdman.

Merton’s first job as a teenager was delivering bicycles for his father’s business, Barr Bicycle Shop. He was employed 35 years by Veterans Memorial Auditorium. For most of his life, he attended Gatchel United Methodist Church until it closed and then became a member of West Des Moines United Methodist Church.

“Mert was one of the very first people to welcome me to Des Moines in 1979 when I joined the about-to-open Civic Center,” said Bill McElrath, CFE, business director of the Des Moines Performing Arts. “He was a great friend and resource and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was well known in the IAAM/IAVM circles during his career and particularly within District/Region 3. The long-term success of the Veterans Auditorium operation paved the way for what grew into the Iowa Events Center and Wells Fargo Arena.”

Family and friends were very important to him including get-togethers for birthdays, holidays, any excuse to play cards, or going out to eat. When he wasn’t able to go in somewhere, he would love to just take a drive. Merton felt it was an honor and privilege to attend his children and grandchildren’s ballgames, concerts, and plays.

In retirement, he was able to devout more time to his passion for trains and even built a model railroad layout in the basement. Merton was an avid reader, crossword puzzle player, musician, Drake Basketball fan, and he finally got to see his Cubs win the World Series.

Merton is survived by his wife of 61 years, L. Louise (Erdman) Barr; three children, David (Bernita) Barr of Alleman, Stephen (Beth) Barr of Webster Groves, MO, and Susan (Greg) Lynch of Clive; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Brandon, and Emily Barr, Madeline and Anna Barr, and Katelyn and Isabelle Lynch; brothers-in-law, Richard Dalbey and Wayne (Nancy) Erdman of Waukee; sister-in-law, Donna (Erdman) Adamson of West Des Moines; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Dalbey; and brother-in-law, Edward Adamson.

Donations may be made to West Des Moines United Methodist Church or Iowa Food Bank.

IEBA has announced the nominees for its 2017 Industry Awards. A full list of nominations is below. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of IEBA’s 47th Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 at 8pm.

Continue Reading →

Venue Management Association {Asia and Pacific} Limited (VMA) President Steve Harper CFE, announced that VMA Chief Executive Steve Romer has tendered his resignation from the organization after three and a half years in the position. Harper says that while it is disappointing to lose Romer, the VMA Board wishes him well in his new endeavors.

“Steve leaves on a high, with the VMA now elevated to a new level of professionalism, along with the delivery of significant membership growth, increased membership benefits, the further development of professional and educational programs and a strong financial position to enable the organization to return even greater benefits to its members,” Harper said.

“The VMA has benefitted from Steve’s venue management experience not only as chief executive but also his passion and commitment to the VMA over many years including nine years as a member of the Board and three years as chairman of the Association.”

Romer says it has been an absolute privilege to lead the VMA as CEO, adding “It’s been rewarding and satisfying to build a new team, and to work closely with a very passionate Board. I look forward to seeing the Association continue to grow and flourish in the future, albeit as a proud Member.”

The VMA Board will immediately commence the search for a new chief executive to take the helm and guide the VMA into the future supported by the extraordinary talent and professionalism of the team based at the VMA headquarters on the Gold Coast.

Romer will remain as chief executive until late October.

The NFL season is now fully upon us after two weeks of regular-season play. If you have experienced any of the action live, you will note that there are at least eight stadiums that have undergone renovations during the past year. This does not take into account sparkling new venues such as in Atlanta.

Gridiron Stadium Network has a nice recap of what is new and … what is new at all the included venues. It has been one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of renovation for NFL stadiums in recent years and makes the fan experience all that much more pleasurable.

Have a look at what is new here.